💉 Vecuronium Powder for Injection 10 mg
📘 Description:
Vecuronium bromide 10 mg is a non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent used during general anesthesia to induce skeletal muscle relaxation, especially for procedures such as endotracheal intubation, mechanical ventilation, and major surgery. It is supplied as a lyophilized powder, to be reconstituted before intravenous administration.
🔬 Formulation:
- Active Ingredient: Vecuronium bromide
- Strength: 10 mg per vial (as sterile lyophilized powder)
- Reconstitution:
- Use Sterile Water for Injection, 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline), or 5% Dextrose
- Final concentration after dilution typically: 1 mg/mL
- Route: IV bolus or continuous infusion
- Brand Examples: Norcuron®, Vekuron®
🧪 Nature / Mechanism of Action:
- Class: Intermediate-acting, non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocker
- Action: Binds to nicotinic receptors at the neuromuscular junction, blocking acetylcholine, and causing reversible skeletal muscle paralysis
- No muscle fasciculations (unlike depolarizing agents such as succinylcholine)
🩺 Indications / Uses:
- ✅ Facilitation of endotracheal intubation
- ✅ Muscle relaxation for surgical procedures
- ✅ Assisted mechanical ventilation in ICU
- ✅ Adjunct in general anesthesia protocols
✅ Advantages:
- Rapid onset (2–3 minutes)
- Intermediate duration (25–40 minutes)
- Minimal cardiovascular side effects
- No histamine release
- Useful in both single bolus and infusion settings
⚠️ Precautions:
- Use cautiously in:
- Hepatic or biliary impairment (main route of elimination)
- Neuromuscular disorders (e.g., myasthenia gravis → heightened sensitivity)
- Electrolyte disturbances (e.g., hypokalemia)
- Renal impairment (though less dependent on renal clearance than pancuronium)
- Always ensure adequate ventilatory support is available.
- Use neuromuscular monitoring (e.g., Train-of-Four) to avoid overdose or prolonged paralysis.
📦 Storage:
- Store dry powder below 25°C
- After reconstitution: use immediately or refrigerate (2–8°C) and use within 24 hours
- Protect from light